UD ROTC COMMISSIONS FIVE CADETS
Jan 27, 2011 | University of Dubuque Theological Seminary
Five U.S. Army ROTC cadets were commissioned as Second Lieutenants during a December 18, 2010 ceremony at the University of Dubuque. The ceremony, held in Steffens Hall of the Charles and Romona Myers Center, featured Brigadier General Timothy E. Orr, Adjutant General, Iowa National Guard, as the keynote speaker. The ROTC Eagle Company, headquartered at the University of Dubuque, is open to students from all three Dubuque institutions - UD, Loras, and Clarke - as well as the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.
"This is the capstone event of a two-year process towards commissioning," said Colonel Daniel Kammiller, assistant professor of military science and senior military advisor to Eagle Company. "These outstanding students have volunteered to endure the extra training in order to earn the great responsibility of becoming the leaders of our sons and daughters in our nation's army."
Cadets commissioned were: Jamal R. Banks, Armor Active Duty, a University of Dubuque biology major, son of Constance Banks of Amelia, VA; Rick J. Ernst, Infantry Co A 1-133 IN Iowa Army National Guard, a University of Dubuque psychology major, son of Rick and Christina Ernst of Bellevue, IA; Kenneth D.W. Klinner Jr., Engineer U.S. Army Reserve, University of Dubuque health and wellness major, son of Kenneth and Danine Klinner of Heidelberg, Germany; Nicholas J. Mason, Engineer U.S. Army Reserve, a University of Dubuque business administration and marketing major, son of Tim and Brenda Mason of Woodstock, IL; and Clint J. Munson, Engineer Active Duty, a University of Dubuque secondary education science major, son of Jane and Jim Munson of Dickeyville, WI.
Keynote speaker, Brigadier General Orr, began serving as the Adjutant General for the Iowa National Guard, Johnston, Iowa, on March 26, 2009. He is responsible for exercising command responsibilities and providing a force that is ready for mobilization. He provides command and control for 104 Army and Air National Guard Units and over 9,600 Army and Air National Guard members in the state of Iowa. The general began his military career by enlisting in the Iowa National Guard during his senior year of high school, graduating from Boone (Iowa) High School in 1979. After attending basic training and advanced individual training at the Infantry School, Fort Benning, Ga., his first assignment was as a heavy anti-armor gunner with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 34th Brigade. He advanced through the enlisted ranks and was ultimately promoted to staff sergeant, until receiving his officer's commission through the U.S. Army's Officer Candidate School at Ft. Benning on August 20, 1985. Orr has commanded at the detachment, company, squadron, and brigade level.
The U.S. Army ROTC program's primary purpose is to develop leaders through classroom study, hands-on-training, and team building exercises. Students gain the leadership skills necessary to succeed in both civilian careers and in the military. A values-based program, ROTC focuses on integrity, personal courage, respect, and honor as the basic foundation upon which successful and competent leaders are built.
